Whitby man Durham's first homicide of 2013

Man dies from injuries after altercation in McCullough Drive home

Whitby Homicide

Ron Pietroniro / Metroland

WHITBY -- Durham Police are calling the death of a 30 year old Durham's first homicide of 2013. Police were called to 906 McCullough Dr just after 7.a.m. and discovered a man in the basement apartment suffering from trauma. The man was taken to the Ajax Pickering hospital but died from his injuries. February 23, 2013.

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Officers were called to 906 McCullough Dr. in the Highway 401 and Brock Street South area of Whitby at roughly 7:20 a.m. on Saturday morning. Police discovered a man in a basement apartment who was suffering from what police call obvious signs of trauma.

The man was taken to the Ajax hospital but died from his injuries later in the morning.

Police believe the injuries came as a result of a physical confrontation in the home and officers canvassed the neighbourhood looking for more information. Police say they don't believe the crime was a random act.

Det. Sgt. JJ Allen declined to release further information about the nature of the injuries but confirmed the man was a resident of the home.

When asked whether there were other people in the home at the time, Det. Sgt. Allen responded police are looking forward to speaking to a number of witneses.

On Saturday afternoon police were still on scene at the home where a pickup truck was parked on the driveway and a for-sale sign sat on the lawn.

One McCullough Drive resident said she's not sure if the home's occupants owned or rented the house. She said the home was put up for sale in the past, the sign taken down and then put up again.

She said the home was the frequent site of parties.

"They were party people, almost every weekend you can see them drinking," she said.

The neighbour, who declined to supply her name, said people were often seen coming and going from the home.

"It was hard to keep track of who lived there. I'm not surprised actually," she said in reaction to news of the homicide.

Anyone with any new information that might assist police is asked to contact the Major Crime Homicide Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5400.

Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or on the website at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters are eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.